TTD Dupatta Scam: Vigilance Uncovers Fake Silk In Temple Purchases

Vigilance officials at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam have flagged a major scam involving fake silk dupattas supplied over a decade. Between 2015 and 2025, the procurement process allegedly allowed polyester dupattas to pass as silk, causing an estimated loss exceeding Rs 54 crore to TTD.

The irregularities came to light during internal checks following earlier controversies at the temple body. Officials say the new findings add to public concern after previous issues involving laddu quality and handling of devotee donations at Tirumala-linked institutions.

TTD dupatta scam: decade-long fake silk supply exposed

According to vigilance reports, a contractor supplied about 15,000 dupattas, each billed at Rs 1,389, while claiming they were silk. Testing by two laboratories, including the Central Silk Board, later confirmed the material was polyester instead. Bills reportedly described the products as a polyester-silk blend, but officials say the fabric contained no silk.

Reacting to the pattu vastralu scandal, TTD Chairman BR Naidu acknowledged problems within the system. BR Naidu said, "We have come to know that there were a few discrepancies in the purchasing department. Taking note of this, we have handed over the investigation to the ACB," he said. The Anti-Corruption Bureau is now expected to examine vendor contracts and staff roles.

TTD dupatta scam linked with earlier TTD controversies

The latest case follows the Tirupati laddu controversy that surfaced in September 2024. At that time, the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh alleged that the sacred prasadam might contain animal fat or adulterated ghee instead of pure cow ghee. The charge led to widespread debate among devotees and political leaders across the state.

After those allegations, authorities formed a Special Investigation Team under CBI supervision. The brief was to examine the ghee supply chain for TTD, check supplier records, and verify whether the material used in laddus met prescribed standards. That probe focused on both quality control and possible irregularities in contracts.

The dupatta scam also echoes the Parakamani case from April 29, 2023. In that incident, prosecutors said a clerk, CV Ravi Kumar, working at a mutt associated with Tirumala, was caught stealing cash offerings from the "Srivari Hundi" donation box. Investigators claimed the money taken belonged to temple devotees.

These three cases together have raised questions about oversight across different TTD-linked activities. From donation handling to prasadam ingredients and ritual clothing, every controversy has highlighted gaps in monitoring. The latest vigilance findings on fake silk dupattas now place further pressure on temple authorities to tighten checks and restore public trust.